Graduate Program Structure

Navigating an online class

The NAU Advantage - A Winning Combination – Online and Live Lectures.

Courses are divided into segments that are designed to fit your busy life and still participate in a quality, interactive graduate program.

All NAU online classes are designed in a Web-based format using WebCT software. All classes follow the same design and template so that students aren't required to relearn how to navigate and are based on point and click technology. The WebCT system allows you to:

• Access administrative information about the class.
• Access course materials and readings.
• Read weekly materials.
• Participate in online discussions.
• Complete assignments and projects.
• Contact the professor and other students through e-mail.

The software component allows students the flexibility and independence to work with class material at a time that is convenient to them.  The system is easily accessible by students 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from anywhere in the world with Internet access.  This flexibility is one of the most compelling advantages of online learning.

The Delivery Enhancement of Synchronous (real time, live audio) Internet lectures and Discussion

This is where NAU takes online learning to a higher level. Online conferencing allows instructors to present multimedia lectures in real-time to students over the Internet. Internet access with a 28.8k modem connection are the minimum technical requirements for student participation. This system allows students to:

• Participate in a live, scheduled session with their instructor and classmates once a week. You will listen to the professor's live comments about the week's topics, ask questions, and get immediate responses.
• Attend lectures one night a week, for 1 ½ to 2 hours.
• View lecture content that includes audio, video, slides, whiteboard activity, Web browsing, and application sharing.
• Communicate orally with the instructor and classmates.
• View archived recorded copies of past lectures you were unable to attend or material you would like to view again.

The Traditional –Graduate Executive Seminar

The purpose of the graduate Executive Seminar is to provide an active learning environment where students can benefit from the experiences of qualified instructors, business leaders and their peers.

Since one of the graduate program outcomes is "graduate student's will demonstrate leadership ability and team building skills through such arenas as class projects and involvement in student, community, or professional organizations," the executive seminar is an integral part of their learning experience. The seminar provides students with exposure to current business and management issues. Students will be able to discuss the selected topic with their peers, to hear current business leaders' views, to explore how they might handle related issues within their own organization and to receive feedback from their peers and instructors about their responses. Students will have the opportunity to work in teams and to develop leadership and team building skills that are key in developing successful careers.

Program Requirements - click here!